It's MUNATO FESTIVAL Once More!

6:38 AM

The young province of Sarangani is celebrating
its 24th founding anniversary and the 14th MunaTo Festival. This festival commemorates
the birth of Sarangani province with the celebration of its People, Culture,
and Treasures.

A trip back in history:

Sarangani Province was born through the
efforts of Congressman James L. Chiongbian in 1992, by the passing of Republic
Act 7228. Formerly the area was part of
the 3rd District of South Cotabato. It became a separate province on
May 19, 1992.

MunaTo Festival is coined from two Blaan
words that means “First People”. The
anthropomorphic jars found in the caves of Maitum (Ayub, Pinol, and Sagel), give
clues to Mindanao’s early history and of the Philippines as a whole. The carbon
dated anthropomorphic jars depicts that Maitum was the home of early
civilization dating back to the Metal age. The original jars are currently in
the National Museum for safekeeping and exhibition. Based on the historical time line of the
early history of the Philippines, after the Tabon Cave in Palawan, the next
earliest pottery is found in Pinol Cave in Maitum. Thus the claim that in Mindanao, the First
People or “Munah To”, possibly are from Maitum, Sarangani Province.

MunaTo Festival was
conceptualized back in 2002. The idea was to create a cultural festival that will celebrate the vibrant diversity of Sarangani Province. It has been celebrated
yearly bringing the 7 municipalities of
Sarangani together and featuring the best in each town.

MunaTo
Festival 2016

The 2016 MUNATO FESTIVAL will be featuring the merger of MunaTo Yesterland and MunaTo
International Music and Arts Festival. This year, the Indonesian Consulate of Davao
will be taking part by giving the public a taste of cultural exchange on their instruments and
also engage spectators in music and dance performances.

The Munato Yesterland Themepark is showcasing 10 Attractions:

1.MunaTo Cultural Village and Show – This will showcase the Tboli, Blaan, and Tagakaolo and Moro tribes. There will be a show every 9 AM, 11 AM, 2PM and 4PM. This show is called the Thread of Life and sharing in an interactive way their music, dances, chants and stories.

2.Sarangani Wildlife Museum – This is found at the ECPC, where one can see the different animals that are preserved for study. This museum shows the varied species found in Sarangani.

3.Looms & Beads - Located at the Kasfala Hall, the Looms and Beads is an extensive, elaborate, and detailed exhibit featuring traditional arts and crafts in Mabal Tabih, Saul (bead works), and other artifacts. This is an exhibit of heirloom designs and fabrics from the Indigenous Tribes in Sarangani.

4.MunaTo Fotoloco – Located at the Capitol grounds, this is where the sculpture of Kublai depicting the first people of Sarangani can be found. Here, visitors can take their wacky and fun photos. A photo booth will be available to take photos for a fee!

5.Sarangani Street Arts – a 3D street art showing the different tourist destinations in Sarangani featuring artists from the Province.

6.Fabli Guni – Sarangani’s food & handicrafts display.

7.Sarangani Historical Lane – A tribute to all the leaders who have served Sarangani Province since its creation since 1992.

8.Fabli Guni & Farmers Market – This will be the biggest gathering of Sarangani Produce and Products. Included here will be Organic Vegetables, Fruits, Sarangani Upland Rice varieties including ornamental plants, and potteries. Also for sale, will be Sarangani’s processed foods, Aquaculture harvests, handicraft and furniture, fashion, and even Halal foods. This is one full market where you can buy and even deal with suppliers!

9.MunaTo Arcade – This is the section for food and novelty items.

10.MunaTo Center Stage - Found at the center grounds of Sarangani Capitol. Here free shows and activities that can be viewed by all Themepark goers. This includes the daily parade and mascot appearances, the tribal sports and boxing competitions, magic shows, concerts and the annual Pearl of Sarangani.

MunaTo Themepark Rules and Rates:

Admission to MunaTo Yesterland Themepark is free, however, an entrance fee of P100 per person will be collected at the MunaTo Cultural Village. The entrance fee is inclusive of authentic food experience at the end of the show.

Another Festival highlight this year is PLATFORM IN SARANGANI, where great speakers are invited to come and share their insights on
interesting topics. Now on it's second run, this much-awaited show will be graced by DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, (former) Sec Raffy Alunan,
and PNP Director General Ronald Bato Dela Rosa. (PR)

For more details on events and activities, check out the Munato Calendar below: